Feds Investigate Death of Black Inmate in Fairfax Jail

FAIRFAX, Va. — The Department of Justice says it has launched a civil rights investigation into the death of a black inmate earlier this year who was subjected to shocks from a stun gun during a cell transfer.

A department spokesman said Thursday that its Civil Rights Division, the FBI and the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia have launched an independent investigation into the death of Natasha McKenna.

Officials say McKenna stopped breathing Feb. 3 after she was shocked multiple times while shackled and wearing a hood as she resisted efforts to move her from her cell. She died five days later.

A medical examiner’s report ruled McKenna’s death was accidental.

Fairfax County Police completed their investigation last month and sent the case to Commonwealth’s Attorney Ray Morrogh for review.